North Pakistan: Explore Hunza Valley

Gilgit-Baltistan: the Northernmost Pakistan’s region

North Pakistan: Explore Hunza Valley

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Tour Packages Overview

North Pakistan: Explore Hunza Valley

Gilgit-Baltistan: Pakistan’s northern gem, with famous Hunza Valley. Breathtaking nature, stunning vistas, and warm local hospitality are just a few ways to describe this extraordinary region. Nestled right where the mighty Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Himalayan mountain ranges meet, it forms a paradise of emerald valleys, ancient Silk Road pathways, and towering granite peaks. Time seems to slow down, while nature speaks through the gentle whispers of the wind, stone, and mountain blossoms. What truly makes the experience unforgettable is the world-renowned hospitality of its local people.

Hunza Valley: rich traditions, food and hidden views

High in Pakistan’s northern mountains lies the Hunza Valley, carved directly into the Karakoram. Long known as the legendary Shangri-La, it is a land of myth, longevity, and rare beauty. For instance, you can glide across the mirror-like turquoise waters of Attabad Lake, where sheer granite cliffs plummet into glacial depths—a stark reminder of nature’s powerful force. Meanwhile, as you wander through the centuries-old cobblestone alleys of Baltit and Altit Forts, you will trace the historic footsteps of Silk Road traders and mountain kings. Above all, the snow-capped peaks, rich heritage, and warm local spirit will stay with you long after you leave.

Trekking: under the Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi – between heaven and Earth

There are mountains you look upon, and then there are mountains that take your breath away (sometimes literally). Imagine waking to the first light of dawn on Rakaposhi, as its icy face glows soft rose against the clear sky. Rising high above, mighty Rakaposhi towers over Hunza Valley like a frozen kingdom. Standing at its base camp, you can hear the soft whisper of glaciers while the massive mountain wall fills your entire horizon. In contrast, Nanga Parbat—known as the Killer Mountain and Sleeping beauty— drops straight from the heaven. Despite its fearsome reputation, it remains a colossal monument of ice and rock that has captivated history’s greatest explorers. Here, you can sleep in a titan’s shadow and walk along rugged moraines. Just don’t forget to close your mouth admiring a towering vertical drop that seems to swallow the sky.

Baltistan – Little Tibet of North Pakistan

In Baltistan, every sunset paints the Karakoram in shades of gold, while star-filled nights feel close enough to touch. First, marvel at the Katpana Cold Desert, where golden dunes lie nestled right at the foot of massive, jagged peaks. Next, hop into a jeep and ride across the High Plains of Deosai. It’s an endless plateau filled with wild alpine flowers, mirror lakes, and playful marmots. Centuries ago, nomadic Tibetan tribes settled these high valleys, weaving their unique culture into the region. Like in Hunza, ancient fortresses still stand here today as monuments of power along the old Silk Road trade routes.

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Highlights

Visit Islamabad, the grided capital; visit grand Faisal Mosque, drive up for the city view to Daman-e-Koh and chat with locals at Pakistan Monument.
Climb the dunes of Cold Katpana Desert, which sits on 2.220m altitude and tae magnificent photos of surrunding peaks.
Explore behind the walls of old forts: Altit, Baltit, Skardu, Khaplu, Shigar.
Marvel the views from stunning Marsoor rock and climb up to 3.740m just to take a daring photo.
Enjoy the views of mountain ranges, from Karakoram, Himalaya to Hindu Kush.
Chase the marmots and goats on the Deosai Plain, breath in the thin but clean air.
Trek under the Rupal’s Face of Nanga Parbat and sleep next to the whispering glaciers of Rakaposhi.
Savour the organic delicacies of Hunza Valley and discover the lokal secrets for longevity.
Just admire the view of Passu cathedral from your lodge.
Dare to cross the Hussain suspension bridge hanging over the Hunza river.
Search for ibex and wild life on your way to Pakistan-China border called Khunjerab.
Drive on the Karakoram Highway and explore the old Silk road rock engravings. Also, search for semi-precious stones…
On the way discover some of the amazing Bhuddist legacies.
Nature, views and genious hospitality at your fingertips.
Lastly, stroll around the bazaars of Rawalpindi, chaotic counterpart to Islamabad and pristine mountains.

Itinerary

1^st DAY: ARRIVE ISLAMABAD

Upon arrival in Islamabad, the representative meets you and transfers you to your hotel. Check in to your hotel, rest and freshen up. If time permits, discover the capital in a short city tour that covers Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh and Pakistan Monument. Finish your day with the dinner. Overnight in Islamabad. (placement: guest house)

2^nd DAY: ISLAMABAD – FLIGHT TO SKARDU

Take scheduled flight to Skardu. However, if weather delays occur, the journey may require an overland transfer with one additional overnight stop. Upon arrival, meet our team, enjoy a late lunch/breakfast. According to the time, visiting local sites in Skardu. (placement: hotel)

3^rd DAY: SKARDU – SHIGAR

Because of weather is unpredictable, we added one day for some small activities; like visiting the ECO village, the village of Shigar and hotel placement. Enjoy lunch before continuing to Katpana Cold Desert to admire its unique landscapes before returning to Shigar for overnight. (placement: hotel)

4^th DAY: SHIGAR – MARSOOR ROCK (3.740m) – SHIGAR

After breakfast drive all the way to visit magnificent Marsoor rock. Be prepared for quite a challenging hike, but we have all day to finish the hike. Bring snacks and enough water. It takes roughly 3hours to Marsoor rock and down about 2hours. Even if rainy the views are amazing, the fog usually only adds mysticism to the views. Return for a rest in hotel, Shigar. Evening dinner and overnight. (placement: hotel)

5^th DAY: SHIGAR – KHAPLU

Start the day with breakfast, then check out and drive toward Khaplu. Upon arrival, visit Khaplu Fort and check in to your hotel. Enjoy lunch and later take an afternoon walk to the viewpoint. Overnight in Khaplu. (placement: hotel)

6^th DAY: KHAPLU – SKARDU

Little longer drive ahead of you today. Have your breakfast, check out and drive to Skardu. Along the way, stop to take some nice photos. Once in Skardu, enjoy dinner and check into your hotel for a relaxing free afternoon. (placement: hotel)

7^th DAY: SKARDU – DEOSAI NATIONAL PARK – TARISHING

Depart early for a long yet scenic journey across Deosai National Park. Savor simple lunch in Deosai before continuing drive to Tarishing. Arrive in the evening, have dinner and overnight in a mountain hut. (placement: lodging)

8^th DAY: TREK TO NANGA PARBAT BASE CAMP (under Rupal’s Face)

After breakfast, prepare your equipment, donkeys, tents and porters before beginning your adventurous trek to Nanga Parbat Base Camp.Later, enjoy lunch and dinner at base camp and spend the night in tents while embracing the mountain atmosphere. (placement: tent)

9^th DAY: TREK TOWARDS LAST ‘LOW-LAND’ BASE UNDER NANGA PARBAT

Stay at the base camp or continue trekking to next Nanga Parbat Base Camp, before you need professional equipment. The trek has some up- and down- hill hikes. Small picnic lunch at reached goal, little rest. After return to our tent base camp. Dinner here, overnight in tent. (placement: tent)

10^th DAY: TREK BACK TO TARISHING

After breakfast, enjoy little leisure time to admire Nanga Parbat if weather conditions are favourable. Afterward, trek back to Tarishing. Enjoy late lunch and soft dinner. Stay overnight in the mountain hut. (placement: lodging)

11^th DAY: TARISHING – KARIMABAD

Say goodbye to Nanga Parbat and begin a long drive to Hunza Valley with scenic stops including river confluence point and major geological formations. Have lunch and check into your Karimabad hotel. Free afternoon/evening and easy time to stroll around the charming town. (placement: hotel)

12^th DAY: KARIMABAD – DUIKAR – ALTIT – KARIMABAD

Start your day with breakfast, then enjoy a scenic walk to Duikar viewpoint for stunning valley panoramas. After a short rest, drive to Altit for lunch, then visit the beautiful fort and traditional village. Finally, return to Karimabad for leisure and overnight. (placement: hotel)

13^th DAY: KARIMABAD – MINAPIN – RAKAPOSHI BASE CAMP

Depart early for Minapin, have breakfast and prepare everything for the trek. This way is more organised with more facilities, so no need to bring many things. Begin trek to Hapakun where lunch break is waiting. After short briefing, continue trek to Rakaposhi Base Camp. Enjoy dinner and overnight in tents. (placement: tent)

14^th DAY: RAKAPOSHI BASE CAMP – MINAPIN – PASSU

Start the day with breakfast and enjoy some leisure time to explore Rakaposhi Base Camp before trekking back to Minapin. After lunch, continue drive to Passu and enjoy dinner upon arrival. Check in to your hotel in Passu, overnight. (placement: lodging)

15^th DAY: PASSU – BORITH LAKE – PASSU GLACIER – GULMIT – HUSSAINI SUSPENSION BRIDGE

Take a short bus ride followed by a short hike to witness the impressive Passu Glacier. Then, visit Borith Lake, enjoy free time. Continue to Gulmit for vegetarian lunch and explore a carpet workshop, visit a scenic viewpoint, and walk to Hussaini Suspension Bridge before returning to Passu. Dinner and overnight in Passu. (placement: lodging)

16^th DAY: PASSU – KHUNJERAB – SOST – PASSU

Drive toward Khunjerab National Park with chances to see ibex or smaller wildlife. Then, visit Khunjerab Pass border with China, enjoy lunch in Sost and return to Passu for dinner and overnight. (placement: lodging)

17^th DAY: PASSU – NARAN/BESHAM (Depends on road conditions)

After breakfast, enjoy a long drive over Babusar Pass toward Naran/Karakorum Highway to reach Besham. Enjoy local lunch somewhere along the route. Finally, arrive and check in to your hotel in Naran/Besham. (placement: lodging)

18^th DAY: NARAN/BESHAM – ISLAMABAD

Continue towards Islamabad. Stop to explore ancient Buddhist stupa and have lunch before continuing to Islamabad. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel in Islamabad. (placement: guest house)

19^th Day: ISLAMABAD – RAWALPINDI – ISLAMABAD

Today visit Rawalpindi to explore its bustling bazaars and cultural sites. In case there were no chances on the first day to visit Islamabad’s sites – today is the day. Last lunch together, in the afternoon enjoy leisure time. (placement: guest house)

Tonight is possible to plan international flight.

20^th Day: DEPARTURE

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Say goodbye to local team with unforgettable memories upon drop-off at Islamabad International Airport.

Package Included

16-nights accommodation based (hotel 3*, pension) on twin sharing.
3-nights camping (sleeping in the tents, twin sharing).
Daily breakfast.
14 x lunch.
7 x dinner.
1 x national flight (Islamabad – Skardu).
Tour & transfer as per itinerary.
Entrance tickets as per itinerary.
English speaking licenced guide.

Package Excluded

International flight tickets.
Personal expenses.
Travel insurance.
Visa fees.
Tipping.
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.

Important Notes

Itinerary subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.
Accommodation based on twin-sharing in hotel.
Peak seasonal surcharges apply during holidays.

Travel Notes & Recommendations

Clothing: We recommend long-sleeves and long pants/skirts. Pack comfortable walking shoes and modest-loose attire for visits. Ladies can bring a big scarf to cover their heads when necessary. North Pakistan is all year travel destination, we will advise the best times and provide weather details.

Local Etiquette: Respect cultural norms — remove shoes before entering homes and try not to point bear feet at the local people. Treating local people with respect can open many doors.

Environment: Dispose of trash properly (bins are rare, so carry a small bag). Be mindful of nature around you, especially on trekking. also, you are going to spend 2/3 of tour on higher altitudes – be aware of that. Buy bottled water, as tap water might not be suitable to drink.

Visa & Documents: Check visa requirements for Pakistan based on your nationality. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months. Please check the government page https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/ .

Cash & Payments: Most of small shops, restaurants and rural areas prefer cash. ATMs are available. Bring cash to exchange for local currency. Carrying cash is recommended.

Weather and road conditions: Unfortunately, no-one can predict the weather or conditions on fragile Pakistani roads. Please be aware of longer drives, and possible road blockages due to bad weather (floods, snow, landslides,…). The drivers and local guides will ensure, you reach your destination safe. But also they can’t control the situation. Thank you for understanding.

Drivers and local guides: Your dedicated private guide and professional driver will handle all logistics, navigation, and site entry tickets. Cash tips (typically given at the end of each tour segment or full day) are always greatly appreciated for excellent service.

Hotels: Hotels in Pakistan are a mixture of practical and modern. They will be clean (maybe not spotless). They provide towels and basic toiletries. Sometimes we prefer smaller pensions – because money goes directly to the local people, and atmosphere is more serene. They are basic, but clean. Normally the rooms come with attached bathroom, which provides hot water (sometimes at the specific hours). In the simplest of places, they provide bucket of hot water. Toilets are normally squat, with water instead of toilet paper.